Police will start enforcing a stricter speed limit than usual today, meaning drivers will be ticketed if they breach the limit by more than 4km/h.
From 4pm today until 6am 7 January the speed limit nationwide will be reduced in the hopes to prevent the number of casualties on our roads over the holiday period.
“I’ve seen first-hand the impact of speed in a crash, a 10km/h difference could save your life,” says Superintendent Steve Greally, National Manager for Road Policing.
“This is one of those messages some people don’t like hearing, and some refuse to take on board.”
Last year there were 12 road deaths over the 12-day Christmas holiday period and 90 people were seriously injured.
“We all want to go on holiday, we all have people we want to see, so let’s all do our best to drive safely and watch our speed,” says Superintendent Greally.
Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter has also sent a message out to those travelling over the Christmas period asking people to plan ahead and be patient on the road.
“If we can avoid having to rush we’re less likely to take risks and put ourselves and other people on the road in danger,” she says.
To help prevent Aucklanders getting behind the wheel following end-of-year Christmas parties, Auckland Transport is letting commuters ride for free tonight on all trains and buses.
"If we can provide a free, easy public transport journey home, then it means there's no need to drive at all," said Stacey Van Der Putten, the transport agency's group manager for metro service delivery.
"You can have a drink after work, and you don't even have to think about the car, just get the bus or the train."
The free rides will start at 4pm, with train station gates opened and tagging machines turned off on buses. Rides that start before 4pm but end after will still be charged.
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